Second Day of Chaos at JKIA as KCAA Strike Grounds Flights, Strands Hundreds

Passengers stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as flight cancellations and delays persist for the second day amid ongoing industrial action by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority workers.

by: Babz Abdul-Raheem

Flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) remained severely disrupted for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as industrial action by workers from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) continued unabated.

The strike triggered a wave of cancellations, lengthy delays, and flight diversions, affecting both domestic and international travel. Passengers arriving at the airport were met with uncertainty, long queues, and limited information as airlines scrambled to adjust schedules and manage the growing backlog.

Several outbound flights were grounded, while some incoming aircraft were diverted to alternative airports to ease congestion and operational challenges at JKIA. Families, business travelers, and tourists alike found themselves stuck in terminals, anxiously awaiting updates from airline officials.

Airlines have urged passengers to check with their respective carriers before heading to the airport, warning that disruptions could persist if the standoff between KCAA staff and authorities is not resolved swiftly.

The ongoing industrial action has once again spotlighted the vulnerability of the country’s aviation sector to labor disputes, with JKIA East Africa’s busiest airport serving as a critical hub for regional and international connectivity.

As negotiations continue behind closed doors, travelers remain hopeful for a swift resolution that will restore normal operations and bring relief to those affected.